In Freud's psychosexual theory, which stage is associated with the Oedipus complex?

• A. Oral
• B. Anal
• C. Phallic
• D. Latency

Answer: (C)

The stage where the Oedipus complex arises is the phallic stage, typically in children aged about 3 to 6 years. During this period, Freud proposed that a child experiences unconscious sexual feelings for the opposite-sex parent and views the same-sex parent as a rival. The tension is resolved as the child identifies with the same-sex parent, which helps form the superego and solidifies gender identity. In girls, a similar dynamic is sometimes described as the Electra complex, but the term Oedipus complex is usually applied to the male pattern. Other stages involve different tasks: the oral stage centers on feeding and dependence; the anal stage on toilet training and control; latency is a quieter period with repressed sexual energy focused on social and learning activities.